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Khabib Nurmagomedov Slams UFC Matchmaking After 'Brother' Fight

2026-07-15 · Khabib Nurmagomedov · Club News

Khabib Nurmagomedov Slams UFC Matchmaking After 'Brother' Fight

Khabib Nurmagomedov has taken aim at the UFC's matchmaking, criticizing the promotion for forcing a fight between two Russian fighters, Saygid Izagakhmaev and Abubakar Vagaev.

What happened?

Khabib, who retired from the sport in 2020, has been vocal about his concerns regarding the UFC's treatment of Russian fighters. Now, he's speaking out against the promotion's decision to pit Izagakhmaev against Vagaev at the upcoming PFL event.

Why it matters for Khabib Nurmagomedov

As a prominent figure in the MMA world, Khabib's opinions carry significant weight. His criticism of the UFC's matchmaking has sparked a heated debate among fans and fighters, with many questioning the promotion's decision-making process.

What comes next?

The fight between Izagakhmaev and Vagaev is set to take place on July 25, with Khabib expected to corner his teammate. The move has sparked controversy, with many questioning the UFC's motives for forcing a fight between two Russian fighters.

Khabib's criticism of the UFC's matchmaking comes after he expressed his concerns regarding the promotion's treatment of Russian fighters. In a recent interview, he stated that the UFC's approach to matchmaking is often biased towards fighters who engage in trash talk, rather than those who focus on their skills.

The UFC has faced criticism in the past for its handling of Russian fighters, with many accusing the promotion of favoring fighters who engage in more aggressive and confrontational behavior. Khabib's criticism of the UFC's matchmaking is the latest example of the ongoing debate surrounding the promotion's treatment of Russian fighters.

Khabib's teammate, Saygid Izagakhmaev, is set to face Abubakar Vagaev at the upcoming PFL event. Izagakhmaev, who lost his UFC debut last November, has been booked to take on Vagaev, a fellow Russian fighter. The move has sparked controversy, with many questioning the UFC's decision to force a fight between two Russian fighters.

Vagaev, who was awarded a contract after impressing on the Russian regional scene, is set to make his UFC debut against Izagakhmaev. The 33-year-old beat UFC veteran Albert Tumenov to win the ACA welterweight title in his last fight.

Khabib's criticism of the UFC's matchmaking has sparked a heated debate among fans and fighters, with many questioning the promotion's decision-making process. The move has also raised questions about the UFC's treatment of Russian fighters, with many accusing the promotion of favoring fighters who engage in more aggressive and confrontational behavior.

As the PFL event approaches, fans and fighters alike will be watching closely to see how the fight between Izagakhmaev and Vagaev plays out. Will the UFC's decision to force a fight between two Russian fighters pay off, or will it backfire? Only time will tell.

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